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FORD MOTOR COMPANY TO SELL NEW SHELBY GT350 MUSTANG AT BARRETT-JACKSON SCOTTSDALE AUCTION TO BENEFIT JDRF

First publicly available production unit of the all-new Shelby GT350® Mustang to be auctioned by Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction, with all proceeds benefiting JDRF

Winning bidder will be able to choose from available colors and packages for Shelby GT350

Ford-sponsored ride-and-drives during the auction will feature a full lineup of 2015 vehicles

Ford Motor Company will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the legendary Shelby GT350 Mustang by auctioning the first production unit of the new-generation car available to the public for charity at Barrett-Jackson in Scottsdale, Arizona.

All proceeds will benefit JDRF, the country’s leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes research. Live coverage of the auction of the Shelby GT350 will air on Velocity on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2015.

The winning bidder of lot No. 3008 – selling at No Reserve – will become owner of the coveted first retail production unit of Ford Shelby GT350, and choose from available Shelby GT350 colors and packages.

In January 1964, Carroll Shelby and Ford Motor Company forever altered the automotive industry with the introduction of the GT350. It was offered through Ford dealers from 1965 through 1970. Today, these cars are among the most collectible vehicles in the world, and now Shelby GT350 is returning to Ford showrooms as the most innovative and track-capable Mustang in history.

“The all-new Shelby GT350 is a thrilling, world-class car,” said Steve Ling, North America car marketing manager for Ford. “From the all-new independent suspension – a first for a Shelby, to the powerful engine and superb brakes, this car is simply amazing. Just as the Shelby GT350 did in 1965, we expect this new-generation pony car to demonstrate Ford Motor Company continues to lead the world in innovation and performance.”

Team members involved in the design and development of the Shelby GT350 will sign the car in appreciation of the donations to JDRF. Ford has supported JDRF since 1983.

“JDRF is privileged to work with Ford, and we are extremely grateful for the generous support from Ford and its employees through the years,” said John Brady, JDRF chairman, international board of directors. “We are honored to be part of the company’s 50-year celebration of the Shelby GT350 at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale. This very exciting and worthwhile event means a great deal to not only JDRF and the type 1 community, but to me personally as well. We are dedicated to continue our work and to share our vision of creating a world without type 1 diabetes.”

“Ford and Barrett-Jackson have raised millions of dollars to benefit local and national charities for many years,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson Auctions. “The auction of the new Shelby GT350 promises to be electrifying, while helping raise necessary funding for JDRF.”

Based on the popular design of the 2015 Ford Mustang, the Shelby GT350 was created with an emphasis on incredible driving dynamics and balanced performance.

“We took the best Ford Mustang yet and massaged every aspect of the car that affects the performance driving experience,” said Jamal Hameedi, chief engineer, Ford Global Performance Vehicles. “We tested endlessly on the most challenging roads and tracks in the world, and we believe serious drivers will love the Shelby GT350 Mustang.”

Shelby GT350 is powered by the first production V8 from Ford with a flat-plane crankshaft – a design typically reserved for racing applications and exotic European sports cars. The 5.2-liter engine puts out more than 500 horsepower and a torque peak of more than 400 lb.-ft. – making it the most powerful naturally aspirated Ford production engine ever.

GT350 features the most track-worthy brake system ever offered on a Ford vehicle in terms of absolute stopping power and fade resistance. At the front are massive 394-millimeter rotors clamped by Brembo six-piston calipers; 380-millimeter rotors at the rear use four-piston calipers.

Ford will have its 2015 vehicle lineup on hand, including the new Mustang, Expedition and F-150 for ride-and-drives for auction attendees. Additionally, the Shelby American-built GT500 Super Snake and Shelby Focus ST will be offered for a hot laps experience with professional drivers from Miller Motorsports Park.

For auction information, visit the Barrett-Jackson website or Facebook.